The first half of the CAF Champions League preliminary round clash between Guinea’s Milo FC and Mauritania’s Nouadhibou FC ended in a goalless draw, as both teams headed to the locker rooms without finding the back of the net.
The match, held on Friday, August 16, at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, showcased strong performances from both sides, but neither could capitalize on their opportunities to break the deadlock.
Milo FC, the reigning champions of Guinea, started the game with intent, pressing high and testing the defensive resolve of their Mauritanian counterparts.
Under the guidance of coach Ismael Kaba, the Kankan Blues took control in the early stages, launching a series of attacks that kept Nouadhibou FC’s defense on high alert.
Nouadhibou FC, led by their goalkeeper Babacar, managed to thwart three clear chances created by Milo FC.
These attempts came as early as the 4th minute and continued with more efforts in the 9th and 36th minutes.
Despite their aggressive play, Milo FC could not convert their opportunities, leaving the scoreline unchanged.
On the other side, Nouadhibou FC, playing in white for the afternoon, also had their moments.
The Mauritanian side, known for their attacking prowess, saw Razack Coulibaly and Bessam threaten the Milo FC defense with promising moves.
However, the efforts of the Nouadhibou forwards were equally matched by the vigilance of Milo FC’s goalkeeper, Kemo Touré, who made crucial saves in the 16th and 28th minutes to keep the score level.
As the first half concluded with a 0-0 draw, both teams returned to their dressing rooms knowing that the second half would be crucial.
For Milo FC, there was a clear need to translate their early dominance into goals.
Meanwhile, Nouadhibou FC, who entered the match as favorites, faced the pressure of living up to expectations and securing a positive result before the return leg.
The second half promised to be a test of nerves and tactical discipline, with both teams eager to gain an advantage.
Milo FC and Nouadhibou FC were well aware that a goal could significantly shift the momentum of the tie, giving them a crucial edge ahead of the second leg scheduled for the following week.
As the teams prepared for the second half, the focus was firmly on finding the clinical edge needed to break the deadlock.
With everything still to play for, the outcome of this tightly contested match remained uncertain, setting the stage for an intense final 45 minutes.
